Now that we're into the second full week of 2014, it's likely that some of us have fallen off-track in keeping our New Year's resolutions. Life (or maybe a polar vortex) just gets in the way sometimes, even with the best of intentions. But it's not too late to give up on this revitalizing practice. Whether you're looking to try something new, make a big decision, become healthier, finish a project, learn a new skill, or something totally different, there are many great apps that can make sticking to your resolutions a little bit easier.

There are tons of awesome cookbooks out there. The library's collection on the second floor is proof of that. Spend five minutes browsing it, and I challenge you not to come away with your arms full of diverse, beautiful, glamorous titles to borrow. But what if, like me, you love cookbooks but don't have the patience, courage, or finesse to actually make any dishes? Just like that old adage, "those who can't do, teach," my motto is "those who can't cook, read!"

Have you seen the trailer for "The Book Thief" yet? This highly-anticipated film adaptation of Markus Zusak's novel, starring Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson, will be released on November 15th and has already received a torrent of praise and Oscar buzz.

As a child, nothing was more exciting to me than being invited over to a friend's house to play after school. Aside from it being a change of pace, with new toys, snacks, and conversation, what I always loved most about these occasions was seeing what my friends' homes looked like on the inside. It simply fascinated me to see the really big features - the layouts, the furnishings, the colors, the artwork - all the way down to the tiniest details, like if there were magnets on the refrigerator.

...awesome prizes? As suggested by that famous phrase we all know, maybe a picture is worth a thousand words. But this summer at the library, it could also be worth so much more: treats from The Bent Spoon, gift certificates to Labyrinth Books, advanced reader copies of yet-to-be-published books, and a lunch for four at Elements!

Recently, a few PPL staff members had the good fortune to attend Book Expo America, an annual gathering of publishers, editors, booksellers, librarians and superfans of reading. It's sort of like fashion week for the book industry, where publishers pull out all of the stops in an effort to reveal and promote the books they are most excited about for the upcoming months.

Nothing says "summer" quite like relaxing on the beach with an umbrella drink in hand and that book you've been wanting to read all spring. And nothing says "buzzworthy" quite like a gathering of the most popular chick lit authors of the season. Put them both together, and you have the perfect recipe for a fun girls' night out! Join us on Friday, June 7 at 6:30 p.m. for our summer reading kickoff event, Beach Reads Night!

Earlier this month, the Friends of the Princeton Public Library hosted a wonderful bus tour to "Old New York," exploring the architecture and culture of the complex city written about in the classic novels of Edith Wharton and Henry James. For anyone who would like to continue (or begin!) their journey of discovering the history of this most beloved and fascinating metropolis, here are a couple of recommendations to get you started:

National Geographic has long been known for its spectacular photography that captures meaningful, awe-inspiring, and unexpected moments of everyday life. 2013 marks the 125th anniversary of this American institution, and to celebrate, NatGeo has released a brand new Tumblr blog called FOUND. Fair warning: you will lose yourself (and track of time!) in this addictive and beautifully curated collection of images.

In addition to ebooks, downloadable audiobooks, and digital music, we now offer a digital magazine collection of over 70 popular titles, including "The Economist," "Consumer Reports," "Elle," "Popular Photography," "Martha Stewart Living," "Bloomberg Businessweek," "Esquire," "Shape," "Newsweek," and "Food Network Magazine," that can be easily viewed on a computer or downloaded to a mobile device. And it's all free with your PPL library card.